Elizabeth Francis "Betty" Dutcher

Elizabeth "Betty" Francis Dutcher Elizabeth "Betty" Francis Dutcher passed away peacefully at her home on September 17 at the age of 93. She was born in New Lenox, Illinois on October 8, 1916, the youngest of five children born to Adeline Walz and John Francis. She graduated from the University of Iowa where she served as chapter president of Delta Gamma sorority, and went on to earn her Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Chicago. She loved helping people and worked for several social service agencies before her marriage to Gerald Dutcher of Piedmont, California. Jerry and Betty moved to Long Beach in 1957. After raising her two children, she returned to social work in various positions for Los Angeles County until her retirement in 1981. Throughout her life, she was recognized for her community service, having been active in the California Heights United Methodist Church, Las Madrinas, Delta Gamma alumna, and Shepherds Center. She served as a docent at Rancho Los Cerritos, assisted students with reading as a senior VIP at Longfellow Elementary School and was honored as senior volunteer of the year by the South Coast Interfaith Council. She loved traveling and being with her family and many beloved friends. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry (1981). She is survived by her daughter, Sarah"Sally" Badel (Jose) of Lakewood; son, Thomas Dutcher (Carol) of Long Beach; grandsons, James Kelly (Cam) and Edward Dutcher; granddaughter, Carolyn Kelly; and two great-grandchildren, Ren Elizabeth and Mason Kelly. A celebration of the life of Mrs. Dutcher will be held on Saturday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m., at the California Heights United Methodist Church. To honor Betty's memory, donations can be made to California Heights United Methodist Church.